Operations Manager – ODI Europe

Contract: Fixed-term

Salary: 4,440.58- 5,062.25 EUR per month (53,287- 60,747 EUR per annum)

Location: Brussels based hub – with hybrid working

Ref: ODIEUR0324

About us

ODI (odi.org) is an independent, global think tank. We work to inspire people to act on injustice and inequality. Through research, convening and influencing, we generate ideas that matter for people and planet.

The Operations Manager is an exciting new role in the ODI Europe team based in Brussels. The role has four main aspects:

1. Project management;
2. Financial management;
3. Business development support; and
4. Office operations.

The role will oversee the day-to-day development and management of projects of medium to high complexity. Generally, the projects might have a large number of contractors, a limited number of institutional partners and up to three donors working with either single or multiple currencies. Projects can either be single or multiyear and require the delivery of multiple outputs.The Operations Manager will be responsible for the project management cycle, coordinating the delivery of outputs to time and to budget, contributing to and taking ownership of the workplan, liaising with both internal and external stakeholders and maintaining up to date information on project finances, delivery, timeline and risks. They will work both independently and with the wider ODI team to ensure the successful delivery of projects against milestones and budgets and in line with ODI’s policies and procedures.

They will use their understanding of ODI’s business model and of other budgeting models, as relevant, to ensure the financial viability of the project within the parameters agreed. They will be required to have a thorough understanding of the impact that different resourcing models have on the project and demonstrate their ability to balance the needs of the project with those of the organisation. They will represent the interests of ODI in contract negotiations with partners/donors and are expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of ODI’s requirements and ‘red-lines’.

The Operations Manager will also play a significant role in the pursuit of ODI’s objectives by coordinating business development activities (such as concept notes, proposals for grants and competitive tenders), including contributing to drafting proposals and identifying opportunities for funding where appropriate/required, working with the wider ODI Europe team to build key partnerships and/or enhance existing ones with donors, research and operational partners.

The role is also responsible for the smooth running of ODI’s presence in Europe. This entails ensuring that the entity runs in an efficient manner and in compliance with all relevant organisational and legal requirements.

The Operations Manager will contribute to the development and continuous improvement of ODI’s project management methodology, processes and standards and will mentor junior PM function staff to develop their financial, project management and business awareness knowledge.

Essential

Knowledge and qualifications

• Education to  degree level or equivalent level of experience
• Level of relevant Knowledge of project cycle management
• Thorough understanding of different costing models
• Solid understanding of financial management as part of the project cycle
• Fluency in English and strong levels of either French or Flemish

Experience

• Experience managing medium to large sized projects throughout the full project cycle
• Experience of working within complex business models and of managing projects to maximise their contribution to the organisation’s financial and strategic objectives.
• Experience in donor compliance and administrative procedures, donor relationship management, including both financial and narrative reporting.
• Proven experience of conducting contract negotiations independently
• Successful experience of budget monitoring in multiple currencies including experience of creating accurate and timely financial reports.
• Experience of costing and budgeting according to different models and templates.
• Experience of participating in the development of proposals
• Experience of establishing systems and procedures to support project implementation
• Experience of coordinating project teams

Skills/abilities

• Ability to lead and coordinate complex project teams,
• Proven ability to understand the business environment and balance the requirements of the projects with the needs of the organisation.
• Ability to understand the needs of donors and partners and to make business- savvy decisions
• Ability to innovate in order to overcome problems
• Advanced IT skills including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and databases
• Ability to write well and to prepare reports with minimum supervision
• Multitasking skills in a high-pressure environment
• Exceptional planning, organisation and execution skills
• Ability to work to own initiative with minimum supervision
• Excellent ability to build cross cultural relationships with partners and colleagues at various levels of seniority.
• Ability to learn new software quickly
• Effective communication skills

Desirable

• Project Management qualification
• Experience working on US AID grants
• Knowledge and understanding of development and/or humanitarian issues
• Experience working in a developing country or with developing country partner organisations
• Experience in line management
• Foreign language skills (in particular French, and Spanish, German, or Arabic)
• Experience in organising complex workshops or events, including logistics.
• Experience of Sharepoint document management system and Access FocalPoint

Closing date: 15th February 2024

Interview Date: W/C 19th February 2024

ODI is committed to developing and supporting diverse and inclusive teams of people who share our passion, where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We welcome applicants from a range of diverse backgrounds including those who experience intersectional marginalisation on the basis of their class, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious identity or belief, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We also welcome applications from those living with disabilities. 

We offer competitive salaries, a generous company pension scheme, hybrid working and a range of flexible, family-friendly and inclusive employment policies to support well-being and a healthy work-life balance.

This post may be of interest to those keen to contribute to ODI’s decolonisation agenda.

This role will be based in Belgium. To be considered, you will need to confirm your Right to Work in Belgium only.

For further information and to apply for the role please check our website: https://odi.org/en/careers/. If you are experiencing difficulties downloading, please telephone 020 7922 0300 or email humanresources@odi.org.

ODI is an equal opportunities employer Charity Reg. No.228248

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